Forbes has again recognized Shazia Syed, naming her among the 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen of 2024. Currently overseeing Unilever’s operations in North Africa, Iraq, Levant, and Arabia as general manager, Syed had previously earned accolades as a leading executive in the Middle East in 2023.
Starting her career in Abbottabad as a Management Trainee with Unilever Pakistan, Syed rapidly advanced, taking on pivotal roles in Marketing, Sales, and General Management within Unilever’s global network. Her journey includes key positions from leading Unilever’s Personal Care in Vietnam to her role as CEO in Sri Lanka, culminating as the global Executive Vice President for Unilever’s Beverages division.
Syed has been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and progress in the business sector, both within Pakistan and internationally. Expressing her gratitude on LinkedIn, she mentioned being “delighted” by the Forbes recognition, appreciating the opportunity to stand alongside “99 other brilliant thought leaders and change-makers.” She views the accolade as a reminder to uphold her values through her leadership journey persistently.
Feeling both “humbled and proud” to represent Unilever, Syed credits her success to the collective support from everyone in the organization, acknowledging their role in fostering change within and beyond the company.
